George E. Johnson Sr., a pioneering entrepreneur in the Black hair care industry, passed away at his home in downtown Chicago on Monday, as confirmed by his family. He was 99 years old. The family expressed their deep sadness and praised Johnson's remarkable legacy of entrepreneurship, faith, and philanthropy.
Read More
Born in 1927 in Richton, Mississippi, Johnson moved to Chicago as a child and took on various jobs to support his family. In 1954, he co-founded Johnson Products Company (JPC) with his late wife, Joan, using a $250 loan. The couple operated the company from Chicago's South Side, driven by the conviction that opportunity should be accessible to all.
Johnson Products Company became renowned for its Afro Sheen and Ultra Sheen hair care products, which gained popularity among Black consumers and became a point of pride in Black communities. The company also made history by being the first national sponsor of the television show Soul Train, and in 1971, it became the first Black-owned business to be listed and traded on the American Stock Exchange.
His family noted that Johnson was not only a visionary leader who broke barriers on Wall Street but also a committed family man whose principles inspired future generations. They emphasized his values of humility, determination, and respect for others.
Johnson is survived by his second wife, Madeline Murphy Rabb, along with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His contributions to business and community leadership are remembered and celebrated.